Firestarter

I'm going to be honest, I'm somewhat disappointed that this didn't connect well with any of the other Stephen King works that I have read thus far (I'm sure things will pop again somehow if I read more King). Despite that this was a very good story and honestly it probably doesn't need to be connected to other King works. This is unadulterated emotional pain and suffering and I loved it. I got very invested in the characters and desperately wanted to see them get out of this unscathed.

I've read most of Mr King's books, but skipped this one thinking that seeing the movie when I was 5 was enough. No. No. From start to amazing finish this book will keep you enraptured. If you are putting it off for any reason, stop and get to it. You'll thank yourself later.

This book hardly ever shows up on lists of the best Stephen King books. The premise sounded weak (didn't we already see this idea in Carrie?) so I started the book with low expectations. What a surprise! This is one of the best books start to finish that I have read by Stephen King, and I've read quote a lot! Despite being a bit dated (published in 1980 at the height of government paranoia) it was a really strong and well-written story. This book demonstrates that Stephen King can write great books with strong characters and location without including a real horror element. Charlie, the 10-year old girl who is the main character in the book, is written especially well so the reader feels her struggles and cheers for her throughout.